Federal Grassroots Advocacy
"Think globally;
act locally."
-R. Buckminster Fuller
Mission - IIABA Federal Grassroots Initiative
The mission of IIABA’s grassroots program is to promote the effectiveness of getting involved at the local level in order to influence the outcome of federal public policy affecting your industry.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways you can get involved at the grassroots level:
- Participate in ACTION ALERTS – Contact your federal legislators on key issues by visiting the IIABA Grassroots Action Center.
- Be sure to update your home address information to ensure that you are matched with the correct federal legislator: Update Your Grassroots Contact Information *It may take up to two hours to update your information.
- Attend town hall meetings – Check your federal legislators’ websites for updates.
- Call your federal legislators – Find their information here on KAIA's website or at www.congress.org
- Attend fundraisers
- Meet with your legislators at the Big "I" Legislative Conference & Convention – Registration coming soon for the 2011 LC&C, April 13-14, Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC.
- Be a Key Contact – Let the Big “I” national office know if you have a personal relationship with a Member of Congress by completing the IIABA Key Contact Form.
Why You Should Get Involved
Estimates have the number of registered lobbyists in Washington alone at more than 35,000. That’s more than 65 lobbyists for each of the 535 Members of Congress! Yet a Member of Congress considers what is best for constituents like you – not lobbyists. After all, it’s your vote that puts that legislator in office, and it’s your vote that can remove him or her from office. Members of Congress must be made aware that their actions are being closely monitored by the voters back home. That’s why citizens like you are such a powerful force.
What Are the Benefits?
Participating at the grassroots level provides benefits for YOU and your agency. As a grassroots activist, you will become more knowledgeable about the issues affecting your industry, acquire a more thorough understanding of the political and legislative process and develop a commitment to action. Most importantly, your participation will help protect the future of independent insurance agents and brokers.
Please direct questions or comments to Kerri Spielman at KAIA or the IIABA Grassroots task force.